Shintoism

Paper Summary:

Shintoism is a religion with strong indigenous roots. Because it developed as Japan developed into a unified culture, its ties to Japanese culture are strong. The paper shows that it is markedly different from many religions because it has no set of laws that its followers must follow and no concept of punishment for sins. Shintoism is a religion of many major and minor gods and teaches that each person becomes a god at death. The paper shows that, for this reason, an important part of Shintoism is ancestor worship, making Shintoism an important part of family life. Many people who declare themselves to be Shintoists also follow many Buddhist practices. While there is no one prophet for this religion, its followers embrace Confucian teachings for moral guidance.

Abstract
Introduction
Meaning of "Shinto"
Overview
History
Myth of Creation
Indigenous Basis
Other Influences
Buddhism
Confucius
Shinto Today
Loose Structure
Influence of Buddhism
Interview
Converting to Shintoism
Holidays and Traditions
National
Ceremonies
Comparison to Other Religions
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"The Shinto religion can be hard for some people from other cultures to understand, because it does not have a deeply evolved theology. In fact, it does not even have a moral code, such as the Torah for Jews, the Ten Commandments for Christians, or the rules given in the Qu'ran for followers of Islam. Generally speaking, Shintoists embrace the moral code provided by Confucius, but they are not obligated to (Author not given, 2004). Confucius' teaching is just part of Japanese cultural history. Reflecting the country's mixed religious influences, many Japanese homes contain two altars. One is for Shinto rites and the other for Buddhist (Kumagi, 1995). Many followers of Shinto believe that the kami are various manifestations of the Buddha (Japan-guide)."

More papers on Shintoism:

• Comparison Essay # 117840 : "Buddhism and Shintoism"
• Term Paper # 120947 : "Eastern Religion Elements"
• Essay # 137988 : "Bushido and Its Influence in Shaping Modern Japan"

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